Avery Johnson (L) and Iggy Nujic lend a helping hand to fans who participated in the Food Bank of Yolo County's drive.

Nov. 27, 2012

DAVIS, Calif. - UC Davis men's basketball and its supporters collected 315 pounds of canned food and non-perishable items for the Food Bank of Yolo County during a drive that took place throughout the Aggies' home opener on Sunday, Nov. 18.

"I would like to thank everyone for supporting the Food Bank during the Aggies' food drive," said Kevin Sanchez, a UC Davis alumnus and executive director for the Food Bank of Yolo County. We collected 315 pounds of food that addressed our specific needs."

Due to the success of this year's drive, the Aggies are planning to partner with the Food Bank in a similar event next season.

"The community does so much for UC Davis and the athletics department that we wanted to find a way to have the everyone in the program give back. We wanted to create a culture that encourages people to help others in and around Davis," said head coach Jim Les.

Located in Woodland, Calif., the Food Bank of Yolo County began as an all-volunteer organization in 1970 that focused its efforts on alleviating hunger and malnutrition in Yolo County. Today, hundreds of dedicated volunteers work in the Food Bank's front office, at special events and organize donation and food drives in an effort to help as many as 20,000 individuals - nearly 10 percent of the population of Yolo County - each month.

Individuals who are interested in volunteering for, or donating their time and/or additional items to the Food Bank of Yolo County are encouraged to visit the organization's website at www.foodbankyc.org.

Supporters of Aggie men's basketball will have another opportunity to help local communities by participating in the Toys for Tots holiday gift drive on Wednesday, Dec. 5. Fans are encouraged to bring with them a new, unwrapped toy to The Pavilion to donate prior to tipoff of that night's San Jose State-UC Davis men's basketball game.